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Winter Layering Suggestions

Original Post
Saki · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 0

Hi all,
I would like some advice on Winter layering, and what I should buy to keep me warm this Fall/Winter. I just moved to NY from CA so I'm not used to snow or cold and don't really know what to get. What I already have is: smartwool top and bottom base layers, heattech base layers, a Patagonia R2 zip jacket (just got a good deal on it) and a Marmot no frills rain shell. I'm thinking I should also get another layer of insulation like a synthetic puff jacket or vest some waterproof boots (gortex lined?), and wool socks gloved and hat. Any advice as to what I should get in addition to what I already have would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!

Noah Haber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 78

What exactly are you layering for? Around the city? Ice climbing? Bouldering?

Saki · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 0

Primarily around the city and some occasional hiking and bouldering.

Max Forbes · · Colorado · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 108

If your just around the city just get a massive ass jacket and wear a sweater underneath. Smartwool bottoms under pants for long walks. You wont be climbing from dec-feb so I'm not exactly what your expecting in terms of New England winter. Anything I wear on a casual day in the winter I don't typically take hiking. Something like this would make a great winter jacket for around the city.

If you are looking to hike in the winter (White mts. or adk's I'm assuming) this is my layer system:

Synthetic base layers
Darn tough socks
Patagonia R1 or something similar
Something like the OR Acetylene as a mid-layer, fleece also works for a budget
Marmot ROM as my outer (Windstopper fabric is great above tree-line)
Patagonia alpine guide pants

On particularly cold days I'll wear a thicker fleece lined pair of base layer bottoms, or even fleece pants under the alpine guide pants. DAS parka or similar to throw over everything if its really cold.

Of course a good hat, balaclava, and goggles are always in the mix. Generally I hike in a light glove, and carry a heavier pair and heavy mits for above treeline.

If its warm enough to boulder than wear the same thing, wear jeans instead and skip some of the layers..

caribouman1052 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 5

+1 to what Max said, except...

Flannel lined chinos/ jeans (LL Bean Outlet store? Goodwill?) are awesome, and I found them more comfortable than long underwear bottoms. You may find that full zip shell pants give you more mileage than adding another insulating layer - you can take them off easily when you get to work, and you won't have road slush marks on your indoor clothes.

My rule for bike delivery (legs) was: down to 40F, bike shorts; 30F, bike tights; 20F shorts and shell pants; 10F tights and shells pants. Similar layering up top. I brought full zip fuzzy pants to wear after I cooled off, down jacket for up top. Take into account I'm from SF and think 50F is a nice indoor temp, best handled in Levi's and a long sleeve t, and that 60F and up is shorts weather.

I made a similar move, SF to Maine. I think Portland is warmer & has more humid winters than upstate NY/ VT. I found neck gaiters to be key. Pull it up over your mouth & nose in cold dry weather, it helps keep your nose from getting frost bitten, and provides some humidity for the air going into your lungs. I was told never to leave the island without a spare pair of gloves, and never to leave the house without gloves, neck gaiter and hat. It was good advice, I took it very seriously, and got through 19 years there.

You may find a relative lack of sun gets to you. I found serious mittens (Dachstein, got them from Climb High) and a t-shirt were one way to get mid winter sun on my skin.

Muck brand neoprene boots are awesome! By far the best footwear for dealing with slush, or a quick trip out to the wood pile.

Learn to XC ski, learn to ice skate, do all that winter stuff. Whatever you do, don't stay indoors all winter, and only go out to shovel snow - get out and play.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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